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Biography
Olivia de Havilland, born on July 1, 1916, was a British-American actress who graced the Hollywood silver screen during the Golden Age of Cinema. She was born in Tokyo, Japan to British parents, where her father worked as a patent attorney. However, her family eventually moved to California, which is where Olivia would grow up and pursue her acting career. Olivia’s interest in acting began in high school, where she participated in multiple school plays. This passion led her to audition for and successfully gain admission into the prestigious drama school at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. It was during her time at the Academy that Olivia caught the attention of Warner Bros. studio executives. In 1935, Olivia made her acting debut in the film A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which marked the start of her successful film career. However, it was her role as the virtuous and vulnerable Melanie Hamilton in the iconic film Gone with the Wind in 1939 that truly established her as a leading lady in Hollywood. This performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout the 1940s, Olivia continued to demonstrate her talent in various films, collaborating with renowned directors and actors of that time. Some of her notable works include Hold Back the Dawn (1941), To Each His Own (1946), and The Snake Pit (1948). Her exceptional performances garnered her critical acclaim and recognition, leading her to receive numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress. Olivia also found success in her personal life, as she married twice and had two children. However, she faced hardships in her career due to contractual disputes with Warner Bros. The ensuing legal battle resulted in the De Havilland Law being established, later known as the Seven-Year Rule, which limited the duration of long-term contracts in the entertainment industry. In later years, Olivia transitioned to television and stage, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In the 1980s, she moved to Paris, France and lived a more secluded life. Despite her retirement from the screen, Olivia remained highly respected and revered in the industry, earning numerous lifetime achievement awards, including the National Medal of Arts and the Legion of Honour. Olivia de Havilland’s contributions to the world of cinema and her pioneering efforts in the fight for actors’ rights left an indelible mark on the film industry. Her talent, grace, and groundbreaking spirit continue to inspire generations of actors and actresses to this day. Olivia passed away on July 26, 2020, at the age of 104, leaving behind a legendary legacy that will forever be remembered.
